Festive Christmas bread recipe simple baking tech holiday magic Your easy guide to delicious homemade seasonal breads 154chars
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup water, warmed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup mixed dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, raisins, apricots)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, warm water, and a pinch of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, orange zest, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix on low. Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch the dough down. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead in the dried fruit and nuts until evenly distributed.
Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each into a 16-inch rope. Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal and tucking them underneath.
Transfer the braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with an egg wash (egg yolk + milk) and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
A sweet, braided holiday loaf studded with colorful dried fruit and nuts. This impressively beautiful Christmas bread is easier to make than it looks and fills your home with the spirit of the season.
